McDonald’s recipe for chicken nuggets made with ground chicken, simple seasonings, eggs, cornstarch & flour for a batter coating. Make a big batch and skip the drive-thru!
These Copycat McDonald Chicken Nuggets taste just like the real thing! Skip the drive thru and make these nuggets at home! This is an easy recipe so you can make these McNuggets anytime you want!
Why make your own Nuggies?
I get it, the drive-thru is just so dang easy. I agree! And some nights, that’s exactly where I am. But other nights I want to put my own spin on dinner, but still make something all the kids love. So I make my own for these reasons:
- They cost less. Once you purchase the ingredients, aside from the chicken, you’ll be able to make several batches of nuggets. The most expensive items are the chicken and oil to fry them in. Even still, making your own costs about half than driving to McD’s.
- I can control the ingredients! I’m all for adding double the seasonings. Or add some heat! If you’re gluten-free, swap out the flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
- I can cook them MY WAY. Prefer to use olive oil? Fantastic. Like them extra crispy? So do I! You can even make GIANT nuggets or teeny tiny ones for little hands. It’s up to you, that’s the beauty of making them at home.
Ingredients for McDonald Chicken Nuggets
Chicken: Your main protein is 1 pound ground chicken, which offers a tender texture close to the original nuggets.
Salt & pepper: You need 1 ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp ground black pepper, both divided.
Eggs: Use 2 eggs, one mixed into the chicken, the other in the batter for binding.
Batter: For the batter, you need ½ cup cornstarch and 1 cup flour to create a light, crispy coating.
Seasonings: Mix 1 tsp onion powder and 1 tsp garlic powder into the batter for more great flavor.
Water: Adding 1 cup water thins the batter for proper coverage.
Vegetable oil: For frying, vegetable oil is recommended due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Tips and Tricks for making Chicken Nuggets at home
- Shaping your nuggets. To prevent sticking, wet your hands before shaping the chicken mixture into small, uniform nuggets—about 20 pieces from this recipe. Consistent size ensures even cooking.
- Oil temp matters! Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining this temperature is crucial to avoid soggy or greasy nuggets.
- Crispy Nuggies! Use a slotted spoon to remove the nuggets and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate. This removes excess oil and keeps them crisp.
How long are homemade chicken nuggets good for?
Store cooked nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 7 days to ensure safety and maintain flavor.
If storing raw, keep them frozen until ready to cook to prevent bacteria growth. You can keep the frozen uncooked nuggets in a freezer safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat using an oven or air fryer to keep the coating crispy. Always check the internal temperature when reheating; it should reach 165°F to ensure the nuggets are safe to eat.
McDonald’s Chicken Nugget Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 ½ tsp salt divided
- ½ tsp ground black pepper divided
- 2 eggs divided
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup water
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Add the chicken, 1 egg, 1 tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper to a food processor. Pulse until it all comes together. Wet your hands (to reduce sticking) and shape the chicken mixture into 20 nuggets.
- Dredge the chicken nuggets in the cornstarch and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, remaining salt and pepper, egg, and water. Whisk until smooth.
- Dip each nugget into the batter and set on a parchment lined tray. Freeze for 2 hours.
- In a large skillet pour in 2-3 inches of oil and heat to 350°F. Carefully add a few of the nuggets to the hot oil and fry 3-4 minutes on each side until golden. Set aside to drain and repeat with the rest of the nuggets. Serve with fries and sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Best Dipping Sauces and Sides for Chicken Nuggets
Choose sauces that balance the savory flavor of your nuggets. Popular options include honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, sweet and sour, and spicy mayo. These sauces add variety without overpowering the chicken.
For sides, consider sweet potato fries, potato chips, or a simple spinach salad. These options offer a mix of textures and nutrients, creating a well-rounded meal.
What type of ground chicken is preferred for making nuggets similar to McDonald’s?
You should use ground chicken breast for a leaner, tender texture that closely matches McDonald’s nuggets. Ground dark meat or mixed blends have higher fat content and a different flavor profile- they taste delicious!
What alterations can be made for gluten-free chicken nuggets?
Replace the all-purpose flour and cornstarch with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour or a gluten-free baking mix. Make sure all seasonings and ingredients used are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
How can you tell when the oil is at the correct temperature for frying chicken nuggets?
Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F. If you don’t have one, test by dropping a small bit of batter into the oil; it should bubble steadily and rise immediately without burning or sinking.
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McDonald’s Copycat Chicken Nuggets are made with ground chicken, simple seasonings, & a crispy egg, cornstarch, flour coating. Make a big batch at home for an easy, drive-thru favorite!
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